Chain mail

Mail, or chain mail[1], is a type of armour. It is made of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. The Celts are usually credited with inventing mail armour.[2] Celtic mail was usually made in the form of a vest.[2]

Many scholars think mail was invented by ancient Celts about the 3rd century BC.[4] At that time their iron work was probably the best in Europe.[5] The Romans quickly adopted it for their own army. A shirt of mail armour weighed about 30 pounds (14 kg).[4] After a battle it was common practice to strip weapons and armour from the dead.[6]Vikings were known to wear mail armor whenever they could get their hands on it. Mail was expensive, time consuming to make, and required a supply of iron. It became more expensive as improvements were made in materials and workmanship.[7] Mail armour was in use in Europe until the 15th century.[8]